Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Ohio gives entrepreneurs a simple and flexible business structure with personal liability protection and favorable tax treatment. The process is straightforward, but every step matters to ensure your business is legally compliant from day one.
Here’s a detailed guide to forming an LLC in Ohio — from choosing your business name to getting your official certificate of formation.
Your LLC name is the first step in establishing your business identity. In Ohio, your chosen name must:
Include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” at the end.
Be distinguishable from any other registered business name in the Ohio Secretary of State’s records.
Avoid restricted terms (like “bank” or “insurance”) unless you have proper authorization.
If you’re not ready to file right away, you can reserve your LLC name for 180 days by submitting a Name Reservation request with the Ohio Secretary of State. The reservation fee is $39 and can be filed online or by mail.
Every Ohio LLC must appoint a Statutory Agent — also known as a Registered Agent — to receive legal documents, government notices, and service of process on behalf of your company.
The agent must:
Have a physical street address in Ohio (P.O. boxes are not acceptable).
Be available during normal business hours.
You can act as your own agent if you have a physical Ohio address, or you can hire a professional registered agent service for convenience and privacy.
The Articles of Organization is the official document that legally forms your LLC in Ohio. You can file this form:
Online: through the [Ohio Secretary of State’s online filing system]
By mail: by submitting the completed Form 610.
Filing fee: $99
The Articles of Organization must include:
LLC name and principal business address
Statutory agent’s name and address
Name and signature of the LLC organizer or authorized representative
Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Formation confirming your LLC’s legal existence.
Although Ohio law doesn’t require an Operating Agreement, it’s highly recommended. This internal document defines how your LLC will operate and prevents conflicts between members.
A good Operating Agreement covers:
Ownership percentages and capital contributions
Roles and responsibilities of members and managers
Voting rights and decision-making rules
Profit distribution methods
Procedures for adding or removing members
Having an Operating Agreement helps demonstrate your LLC’s separate legal status, which strengthens your liability protection.
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An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID assigned by the IRS. It’s required for most businesses to handle tax reporting and banking.
You’ll need an EIN to:
File federal and state taxes
Open a business bank account
Hire employees
Applying is free and can be done instantly through the IRS website.
Depending on your LLC’s activities and location, you may need to register for additional tax accounts or obtain local licenses.
Common requirements include:
Commercial Activity Tax (CAT): For businesses with gross receipts over $150,000 per year.
Employer Withholding Tax: If your LLC hires employees.
Sales Tax Permit: If you sell taxable goods or services.
Local Business Permits: Some cities or counties may require additional business licenses.
Make sure to check both state and local regulations to avoid penalties or delays.
If you need to launch your business quickly, Ohio offers expedited filing services for an additional fee.
Expedited processing options include:
2-business-day processing: +$100
1-business-day processing: +$200
4-hour processing: +$300
These options apply only to filings submitted during business hours at the Secretary of State’s office.
| Step | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | $39 (optional) | Reserves name for 180 days |
| Articles of Organization | $99 | Mandatory to form an LLC |
| Registered Agent | Varies | Must have an Ohio street address |
| Operating Agreement | N/A | Internal but highly recommended |
| EIN (IRS) | Free | Required for tax and banking |
| Expedited Filing | $100–$300 | Optional for faster approval |
Forming an LLC in Ohio is a clear and affordable process. By filing your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, appointing a reliable Statutory Agent, and obtaining your EIN, you’ll establish a legal foundation for your business. While an Operating Agreement isn’t required, it’s a smart step for maintaining structure and protecting your limited liability status.
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